Tips on How to Clean a Mattress:
Proven Hacks That Work

Believe it or not, it’s not just bed sheets that you should be washing. Yep-that’s right. Our mattresses also need to have a proper cleaning.

Why should I clean my mattress?

While our bed sheets may catch most of our dead skin cells, they don’t protect against dust mites that hoard onto our dead cells. Glenn Needham, a retired professor of entomology at Ohio State University says:

“Every mattress is a crime scene in terms of how it gets inoculated with mites.”

Yikes! Not only can a mattress hoard dust mites, mold and bed bugs, but our bodily fluids-particularly sweat, can also seep into the fibers.

And if you live in a humid environment, have pets or suffer from allergies, all the more reason to keep your mattress fresh and clean. Luckily, you don’t need to clean your mattress as frequently as your sheets, but aim for at least every six months. Whether you own a latex, foam or any other kind, it doesn’t matter.

Don’t worry; we have easy, proven tips for cleaning your mattress so you can rest easy knowing you’re not sleeping in filth. Scroll down below, then just remove your sheets and mattress cover to get started.

How to clean a mattress at home

Now, you could get your mattress professionally cleaned – or you can easily use items and substances you have lying around your home. Here are our top tips to consider on how to clean a mattress:

To remove dirt and smell:

Vacuum

While this method does not remove stains or smells, it’s the best thing to do first. Vacuum your mattress with a handheld vacuum (if you have one) to ensure you’re removing as much dirt, hair and food residue as possible.

Baking soda

This is the perfect remedy to deodorize your mattress and relieve any bad smells. After you have vacuumed your mattress, the next step is to sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the surface. If you notice odour in a particular area, be a bit more generous with baking soda, and gently use a scrub brush so it bonds with the surface. Then let it sit for a couple of hours.

The baking soda will break down acid, absorb moisture and leave it smelling fresh and clean. Once you’ve let the baking soda sit, then vacuum away any excess.

Air out the mattress

Airing out your mattress is a beneficial step to take (if you have outdoor space of course!) before and after you’ve vacuumed and used any cleaning products. It will dry out moisture while exposing it to sun rays and fresh air to kill remaining bacteria off.

To remove stains:

It’s important to never soak your mattress in any cleaning product. Use a bit of product diluted with water and a cloth. Remember, less is more.

Dish detergent and water

This is a go-to combo for mattress stain removal that you can easily make yourself. In order to remove tough stains like blood, sweat or urine, just mix a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of mild dish detergent. This will also be less toxic than using a bleaching product.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Any remaining stain residue can be scrubbed further with a cloth dipped in hydrogen peroxide. This bleaching product will be effective at reducing the appearance of fading stains. Just mix it with water and try to use as little as possible.

Enzyme Cleaner

To clean your mattress stains, you can also use an enzyme cleaner. This method is also ideal for bodily fluid stains. Spray your enzyme cleaner on to a cloth, blot the area and then use a different cloth with water to continue blotting.

Lemon Juice and Salt

Most households have lemon juice and salt lying around, and this mixture is a great, non-toxic cleaning hack for your mattress stains. Make a paste of lemon juice and salt, apply it to the stain with a rag and let it sit about an hour before wiping it away.

Clean and Extend the Life of Your Mattress

It’s no question that our mattresses are worthwhile financial and health investments. Now you have good mattress cleaning tips to reap the benefits of both. We recommend purchasing a mattress pad or cover to protect it from future stains, dirt and pests. It might also be a good idea to flip your mattress every three to six months.

If you want to maintain the quality of your mattress, extend its shelf life and continue to get a restful night’s sleep – then revisit this article every six months for your own mattress cleaning remedy!

Finally, if repeated cleaning ceases to meet your hygiene requirements, consider getting a new mattress with our guide to choosing one that suits your needs.